In 1809 France, the great seducer, Captain Neuville (Jean Dujardin), comes to ask for the hand of the young Pauline (Noémie Merlant) in marriage. But Pauline’s sister, Elisabeth (Mélanie Laurent) proves impervious to Neuville’s charms. When Neuville is called to the front and Pauline sits anxiously waiting for news, Elisabeth takes to the pen and, through her valiant prose, makes him a real hero of war when the reality is decidedly different. Then Neuville returns for his bride… Part Casanova, part Cyrano de Bergerac and many parts funny.